Environmental Science Lecture Review

Yellowstone National Park: Established in 1872, Yellowstone is widely recognized as the first national park in the world, famous for its breathtaking natural beauty, geothermal features such as Old Faithful geyser, and diverse wildlife including bison, wolves, and grizzly bears. The park's vast expanse of over 3,400 square miles includes lakes, canyons, rivers, and mountain ranges, showcasing the diversity of the American landscape.

Importance of National Parks: National parks play a crucial role in protecting wilderness areas from development and degradation, preserving habitats for countless species, and providing space for recreation and education for future generations. They are also vital for maintaining ecological balance and offering critical ecosystem services such as clean air and water.

National Park Service: Established in 1916, the National Park Service oversees the management of national parks and other protected areas in the United States. The agency's mission includes protecting park resources, providing for visitor enjoyment, and ensuring that these natural wonders are preserved for future generations.

Ken Burns Documentary:
"Our National Parks: America's Greatest Idea" is a documentary that emphasizes the historical significance, stunning landscapes, and the essential role national parks play in American culture and heritage. It connects the conservation movement to social justice issues, highlighting stories of those who fought to preserve America’s parks.

Healthy Forest Ecosystems:

Characteristics of a Healthy Forest: Healthy forests feature diverse plant communities with multilevel canopies that include a mix of larger trees and younger saplings. This diversity promotes resilience against pests and diseases. Mature trees are not only critical for seed production but also provide habitats for numerous wildlife species and contribute to carbon storage, helping to mitigate climate change.

Deforestation: Deforestation refers to the large-scale removal of forested areas, which poses significant threats to climate stability and biodiversity. Major areas affected by deforestation include tropical rainforests and dry regions prone to agricultural expansion. For instance, palm oil plantations are replacing vast tracts of rainforests in Southeast Asia, primarily driven by the economic interests of multinational corporations. This shift not only displaces wildlife but also endangers local communities reliant on the forests.

Climate Change Effects on Forests: Severe drought conditions due to climate change can weaken trees' physiological resilience, making them more vulnerable to pests and diseases, such as pine beetle infestations that have led to significant tree mortality in regions like Colorado. This impacts not only the forests but also the entire ecosystem that depends on tree cover for habitat and protection from erosion.

Prescribed Burns:

Definition: Prescribed burns are controlled fires set intentionally under specific conditions to manage vegetation, reduce excessive underbrush, and rejuvenate ecosystems.

Purpose: These burns help mitigate the risk of larger uncontrolled wildfires by reducing fuel buildup, encourage the growth of fire-adapted species, and recycle nutrients back into the soil. Successful execution requires knowledge of various conditions, including wind speed and humidity.

Importance of National Parks: Notable parks such as Glacier National Park, Yosemite, and Grand Teton are essential for preserving natural landscapes, promoting biodiversity, and serving educational and recreational purposes.

Deforestation Consequences: Detailed visuals depict how palm oil plantations replace ancient rainforests, leading to significant biodiversity loss and reduced oxygen production. The economic motivations behind such transformations result in habitat destruction critical for iconic species like orangutans. Personal Action: One can contribute to conservation efforts by avoiding products that contain palm oil, thus reducing demand and protecting these crucial ecosystems.

Climate Change Impacts on Forest Ecosystems: Illustrated effects include increased temperatures exacerbating drought conditions, contributing to tree stress and heightened vulnerability to pests.

Mining Practices:

Types of Mining: Mining practices such as strip mining, open-pit mining, and mountaintop removal have far-reaching environmental consequences, including habitat destruction, soil erosion, and water contamination.

Earth's Layers: The Earth’s structure consists of various layers: the inner core, outer core, mantle, asthenosphere, and lithosphere, the last of which is critical for accessing minerals and resources crucial to modern society.

Environmental Damage by Mining: Mining operations often lead to significant water pollution due to the release of harmful chemicals, disrupting aquatic ecosystems and contaminating drinking water supplies.

Electronic Waste (E-Waste): Efforts to recycle electronics not only help recover precious metals but also minimize the environmental impacts associated with mining operations.

Freshwater Resources: Freshwater is a limited resource, emphasizing the need for diligent conservation efforts. Agriculture accounts for approximately 70% of freshwater use, prompting suggestions for reduced meat consumption as a strategy for saving water. Various strategies can be employed daily to conserve water, including efficient irrigation techniques and mindful water usage at home.

Ocean and Climate Interactions: Oceans act as significant carbon sinks, absorbing about one-third of atmospheric CO$2$, impacting global climate patterns. However, ocean acidification, driven by increased CO$2$ levels, poses severe threats to marine life, particularly for calcifying organisms like shellfish.

Fishing and Environmental Impact: Bycatch, the unintentional capture of non-target marine species, poses a significant challenge to sustainable fishing. Establishing marine protected areas is essential for conserving biodiversity and ensuring sustainable fish populations.

Atmospheric Science Overview:

Composition of Earth's Atmosphere: The Earth's atmosphere consists primarily of nitrogen (78%), oxygen (21%), argon (0.9%), and trace amounts of other gases, which play vital roles in sustaining life.

Major Pollution Sources: Sources of pollution include transportation, agriculture, industry, and natural events such as wildfires and dust storms, which contribute to degrading air quality and public health.

Climate Change Insights: Climate change represents a long-term alteration in temperature and typical weather patterns in a place. Human-induced activities, particularly fossil fuel combustion and deforestation, accelerate these changes, underscoring the urgent need for proactive measures to address the issue.

Renewable Energy Sources: Renewable energy sources include solar, wind, hydropower, geothermal, and tidal energy, which offer sustainable alternatives to fossil fuels. Nonrenewable sources, like fossil fuels (coal, oil, natural gas) and nuclear energy, continue to have significant environmental impacts. Sustainability is defined as an approach that meets current needs without compromising the capacity of future generations to meet their own needs.

Waste Management and Sustainable Cities: Effective waste management strategies encompass reduction, recycling, and recovery of materials. Issues associated with suburban sprawl contribute to automobile reliance, contradicting sustainability principles. New urbanism advocates for walkable communities with integrated green spaces, supporting both environmental and social well-being.